Integrated toothbrush and floss dispenser

ABSTRACT

An integrated toothbrush and dental floss apparatus. An integrated toothbrush and dental floss dispenser can include a toothbrush head positioned at one end of the handle and a floss cutter positioned at an end of the handle opposite the toothbrush head. A dental floss dispenser can be positioned along the length of the handle. The handle can have a floss channel formed longitudinally along the handle. The floss channel can provide a passageway for the dental floss and can guide the dispensing dental floss toward the floss cutter. Additionally, the integrated toothbrush and dental floss apparatus can include a tension applicator for applying tension to a spool of dental floss.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates in general to toothbrushes, and in particular to an integrated toothbrush and dental floss dispensing apparatus.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] Several attempts have been made to develop an apparatus that combines the benefits of a toothbrush and a dental floss dispenser. For instance, a number of inventions in the prior art have incorporated a dental floss dispenser mounted to the handle of a toothbrush. Specifically in U.S. Pat. No. 5,676,167 to Garner a toothbrush and floss apparatus is disclosed which includes a detachable floss assembly positioned at the distal end of the toothbrush handle. Moreover, the detachable dental floss assembly includes a floss-assembly based connector for connecting the dental floss assembly to the distal end of the toothbrush handle. While the Garner toothbrush can be an adequate solution for the basic purpose and function for which it had been specifically designed, the Garner design is deficient with respect to its failure to provide the most efficient and convenient structure for the dispensing of dental floss.

[0005] Other toothbrush and dental floss combination devices of the prior art are deficient in consequence of malfunctions and misalignment problems occurring during the dispensing of dental floss. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,348,028 to Gustavel describes a package having a handle capable of receiving a separable toothbrush. The Gustavel package also includes an interior space for housing dental accessories including dental floss. Still, to obtain access to the dental floss a user must manually separate the handle into segments. This separation process can be inconvenient and after extended usage can prematurely erode the interfitting members that join the handle segments together. Additionally, the Gustavel toothbrush, as is the case with similar structures that include floss arrangements, compels users to operate the toothbrush with the dental floss located at the distal end of the tooth brush. Oftentimes this type of structure causes problems with the dispensing of dental floss. These problems can originate particularly from the lack of continuity of the dental floss. More particularly, when dispensing the floss the dental floss is dispensed in an unguided fashion over interfitting segments located on the handle of the toothbrush. Finally, additional attempts have been made to combine a toothbrush, dental floss apparatus, and a cutting device for the cutting of dental floss. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 5,924,429 to Morando teaches a dental-hygiene device with an interior cavity having a pivotable blade assembly. Nevertheless, blade assemblies can be ineffective for the purpose of cutting dental floss because of the user's failure to apply enough force to the dental floss which is needed to properly sever the dental floss. In consequence, often users are compelled to tear the dispensed floss from the assembly with other suitable means, such as utilizing their hands and teeth.

[0006] Many individuals experience difficulties when using various forms of dental floss devices. Whether it is a dental floss dispensers or a device that combines a toothbrush with a dental floss dispenser, the devices remain problematic during use. Dental floss devices should be very simple to use; however, what appears to be a simple process can be extremely difficult and sometimes tedious. Accordingly, there exists a need for an improved integrated toothbrush and dental floss assembly.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0007] The present invention relates to an integrated toothbrush and dental floss dispenser that can accommodate a detachably mounted spool of dental floss such that once the spool of dental floss has become expired, a new spool of dental floss can be provided. According to the invention, an integrated toothbrush and dental floss dispenser can comprise a handle having a floss channel formed longitudinally along the length of the handle. The floss channel can provide a passageway for the dental floss and can guide the dispensing of the dental floss toward the floss cutter. The toothbrush head can be positioned at one end of the handle. A dental floss dispenser can be positioned between the toothbrush head and the floss cutter. A disposable spool of dental floss can be removably mounted to the dental floss dispenser, wherein floss from the spool of dental floss can be dispensed into the floss channel toward the floss cutter.

[0008] The integrated toothbrush and dental floss dispenser can include a toothbrush head with a plurality of bristles that extend outwardly from the surface of the toothbrush head. The plurality of bristles can be arranged in a periodic relationship across the surface of the toothbrush head. The toothbrush head can be detachably coupled to the handle. The handle also can serve as housing for the dental floss dispenser, the bottom casing and the protective layer.

[0009] The shape of the dental floss dispenser can correspond to a disk having a post at the center of the disk for receiving the spool of dental floss. The shape of the dental floss dispenser can also correspond to other shapes such as a circle, square or octagon. The post located within the dental floss dispenser can extend perpendicularly from the dental floss dispenser to provide an axis of rotation for the spool of dental floss. The apparatus can further comprise a tension applicator mounted to the handle and frictionally to engaged the spool. The tension applicator can frictionally resist the rotation of the spool of dental floss during dispensing. A rotation controller also can be mounted to the dispenser and frictionally engaged to the spool. The rotation controller can frictionally resist the rotation of the spool of dental floss during dispensing.

[0010] The integrated toothbrush and dental floss dispenser can further comprise a bottom casing coupled to the handle. The bottom casing can be attached to the handle utilizing a plurality of snap members. The floss channel also guides dental floss to the floss cutter. A floss cutter can be positioned against at least one of the first end and the second end of the handle. The floss cutter can be used to cut dental floss as it is dispensed from the spool of dental floss. The floss cutter can include a replaceable blade and can be detachably coupled to the handle.

[0011] The integrated toothbrush and dental floss dispenser can also include a protective layer coupled to at least one of the first end and the second end of the handle. The protective layer can be composed of any suitable material from the group that includes rubber, plastic, wood and metal. The protective layer is not limited to a particular material and further provides protection to dental floss as it is used in the apparatus. Additionally, the invention can include a visual indicator to provide the user with notice that the spool of dental floss has expired and should be replaced.

[0012] The integrated toothbrush and dental floss dispenser provides a means for detachably mounting a spool of dental floss to a toothbrush handle such that once the dental floss has become expired a new spool of dental floss can be provided. Additionally, the invention provides a mechanism for applying tension to the spool of dental floss utilizing a tension applicator. The invention further provides convenience and flexibility through the use of an integrated toothbrush and dental floss.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] There are presently shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

[0014]FIG. 1 is a front view of an integrated toothbrush and dental floss dispenser apparatus.

[0015]FIG. 2 is a front view of an integrated toothbrush and dental floss dispenser apparatus with a bottom casing attached.

[0016]FIG. 3 is a front view of the inner structure of an integrated toothbrush and dental floss dispenser apparatus.

[0017]FIG. 4 is a side view of the dental floss dispenser.

[0018]FIG. 5 is a front view of the dental floss dispenser with a tension applicator.

[0019]FIG. 6 is a front view of the dental floss dispenser with a rotational controller.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] The present invention relates to an integrated toothbrush and dental floss dispenser apparatus 10. More particularly, the present invention can accommodate a detachably mounted spool of dental floss 32. The spool of dental floss 32 can be detachably mounted to a toothbrush handle 14 such that once the dental floss has become expired a new spool of dental floss 32 can be provided. Additionally, the invention can include a tension applicator 28 for applying tension to the spool of dental floss 32. The invention further provides convenience and flexibility through the use of an integrated toothbrush and dental floss dispenser apparatus 10. Although the illustrations provided herewith depict the present invention in specific embodiments, it is understood that the illustrations are intended to be for illustrative purposes only. Accordingly, it is understood that the invention can exist in several embodiments.

[0021] FIGS. 1-6, taken together illustrate an integrated toothbrush and dental floss dispenser apparatus 10 configured in accordance with the invention arrangements. An integrated toothbrush and floss dispenser apparatus 10 which has been configured in accordance with the inventive arrangements can include a toothbrush handle 14, a toothbrush head 12 disposed at one end of the handle 14, a floss dispenser 16 mounted to the toothbrush handle 14, and a floss cutter 18 disposed at an end of the handle 14 opposite the toothbrush head 12. A spool of dental floss 32 can be removably attached to the toothbrush handle 14 via the floss dispenser 16. The handle 14 can include a floss channel 30 formed longitudinally along the length of the handle 14. The floss channel 30 can provide a passageway for the dental floss and can guide the dispensing of the dental floss toward the floss cutter 18.

[0022] The toothbrush head 12 can include a plurality of bristles 22 that extend outwardly from the surface of the toothbrush head 12. The plurality of bristles 22 are arranged in a periodic relationship across the surface of the toothbrush head 12. In one embodiment of the invention depicted in FIGS. 1-6, the toothbrush head 12 can be positioned on a first end of the handle 14. The toothbrush head 12 also can be detachably coupled to the first end of the handle 14. Detachably coupling the toothbrush head 12 to the handle 14 allows an obsolete and worn toothbrush head 12 to be replaced, thereby extended the life of the toothbrush. A replaceable toothbrush head 12 also provides hygiene benefits by allowing a bacteria contaminated toothbrush head 12 to be discarded.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 4, a spool of dental floss 32 can be detachably mounted to the floss dispenser 16 between the first end and second end of the handle 14. In one aspect of the invention, the dental floss dispenser 16 can be a locking post 26 perpendicularly extending from the handle 14. The spool of dental floss 32 can receive the post 26 at the center of the spool 32. Notably, the dental floss dispenser 16 is not limited to a particular structure and other dental floss dispensers can suffice so long as a spool of dental floss 32 can be removably mounted to the handle 14. A semi-rigid leader, such as a wire, can be attached to an end of the floss on the spool 32 so as to facilitate the insertion of the floss into the channel 30. Subsequently, the spool of dental floss 32 can rotate along the axis of the post 26 thereby disposing dental floss into the floss channel 30.

[0024] In one aspect of the present invention depicted in FIG. 3, a tension applicator 28 can be included for use with the integrated toothbrush and dental floss apparatus 10. In particular, a tension applicator 28 can be spring loaded and positioned against the spool of dental floss 32 to provide added tension to the spool of dental floss 32 when dispensing dental floss. As illustrated in FIG. 6, a rotation controller 36 also can be included as part of the floss dispenser 16 to provide resistance to the rotation of spool of dental floss 32 during dispensing. The tension applicator 28 can frictionally resist rotation of the spool of dental floss 32 during dispensing. For instance, the tension applicator 28 provides additional torque during the rotation of the spool of dental floss 32 as floss is extended through the floss channel 30 along the handle 14.

[0025] Use of the tension applicator 28 can assist in dispensing the dental floss and can facilitate access to an optimal amount of dental floss required for usage. The tension applicator 28 also provides stability to the spool of dental floss 32 during periods of nonuse, thus preventing any dental floss from needlessly being expended. The additional force provided by the tension applicator 28 during the rotation of the spool of dental floss 32 allows the dental floss to be dispensed in a controlled manner. Utilizing the tension applicator 28 further allows dental floss to be accessed in amounts suited to the particular user with extreme effortlessness and effectiveness.

[0026] Additionally, structure can be included in the channel 30 so as to resist the recoiling of the floss in the channel. For example, a one-way gripping restriction 27 can be included in the channel 30 so that the floss can pass through the channel 30 towards the handle end 23. Similarly, a cleat 25 can be mounted to the outside of the handle 14 to which loose floss can be secured thereby further preventing the recoiling of the floss into the channel 30.

[0027] In one embodiment, the dental floss dispenser 16 can be positioned at the midsection of the handle 14. However, depending on the particular design of the integrated toothbrush and dental floss dispenser apparatus 10, it may be necessary to adjust the positioning of the dental floss dispenser 16 along the length of the handle 14. The dental floss dispenser 16 can be included as part of the pre-formed handle 14, or can be detachably coupled to the handle 14. Finally, the dental floss dispenser 16 can be encased in a 43 chamber having a door 45 as shown in FIG. 7. In this embodiment, the spool of floss 32 can be shielded from contaminants when the door 45 is closed.

[0028] Notably, the dental floss dispenser 16 enables a spool of dental floss 32 to be detachably coupled to the toothbrush handle 14 such that once the dental floss has become expired a new spool of dental floss 32 can be provided. Detachably coupling the dental floss dispenser 16 to the handle 14 allows the dental floss dispenser 16 to be easily replaced. The detachable coupling of the dental floss dispenser 16 also increases the durability and value of the entire apparatus by enabling an inoperable or faulty dental floss dispenser 16 to be replaced without destroying the utility of the entire apparatus.

[0029] A bottom casing 34 covering the floss cutter 18 can be provided. Specifically, the bottom casing 34 can be positioned against at least one of the first end and the second end of the handle 14. FIG. 2 shows the bottom casing 34 positioned at the second end of the handle 14. The bottom casing 34 provides a protective covering for available dental floss exiting from the floss channel 30 formed in the handle 14. The bottom casing 34 can be detachably coupled to the handle 14 utilizing a snap structure 20, as shown in FIG. 1. Additionally snap structures 20 can be provided on the surface of the handle 14 near the second end to provide further support to the bottom casing 34. Finally, a protective layer 24 can be coupled to at least one of the first end and the second end of the handle 14.

[0030] The protective layer 24 can be composed of rubber or any other suitable material. Other suitable material that the protective layer 24 can be composed of includes plastic, metal and wood. The protective layer 24 provides a protective covering while assisting in maintaining the alignment of floss as it exits from the floss channel 30 and further prevents floss slippage. The protective layer 24 also can provide protection to the handle 14 and dental floss from normal wear and tear, while further providing protection from surface elements.

[0031] A visual indicator 38 also can be included within the apparatus. The visual indicator 38 can be located on the surface of the handle 14 proximate to the post 26. The visual indicator 38 can provide notice to a user that the supply of available dental floss has expired. In one embodiment of the invention depicted in FIG. 4, the visual indicator 38 incorporates a signaling device that is visible along the handle 14 to indicate to the user when to replace the spool of dental floss 32. The visual indicator 38 can extend outwardly from post and portions of the visual indicator 38 can become visible through the spool of dental floss 32 as the dental floss 40 contained therein is consumed. As will be apparent to one skilled in the art, the visual indicator 38 can incorporate a green portion to indicate that plenty of dental floss 40 remains, and a red portion to indicate the spool of dental floss 32 has nearly expired.

[0032] In operation, the dental floss dispenser 16 can pass from the spool of dental floss 32 to the end of the handle 14 opposite the toothbrush head 12 via the floss channel 30. The floss channel 30 can be formed longitudinally along the center of the handle 14 and extends from the dental floss dispenser 16 to the end of the handle 14. The floss channel 30 provides a protective passage for dental floss as it is dispensed along the length of the handle 14. Additionally, the diameter of the floss channel 30 can facilitate the passage of the dental floss during dispensing of the dental floss. In particular, the use of the floss channel 30 inhibits the free movement of the dental floss during dispensing. Rather, the diameter of the floss channel 30 which extends along the longitudinal center of the handle 14 is suited to allow free movement of the dental floss only along the direction of travel. Notably, in one aspect of the invention, the floss channel 30 can have a mouth having a diameter which exceeds the diameter of said floss channel. In this case, floss can more easily enter the floss channel 30.

[0033] The handle 14 can include a floss cutter 18 for cutting sections of dispensed dental floss. Specifically, the floss channel 30 leads to the end of the handle 14, which is followed by the floss cutter 18. The floss cutter 18 can be permanently attached or detachably coupled to the handle 14. The floss cutter 18 also can include a replaceable blade.

[0034] It will of course be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific details described herein, which are given by way of example only, and that various modifications and alterations are possible within the scope of the invention as defined therein. Those skilled in the art may make modifications that include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, without departing from the principles and concepts set forth herein. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An integrated toothbrush and dental floss dispenser apparatus comprising: a handle having a floss channel formed longitudinally along the handle; a toothbrush head positioned at one end of said handle; a floss cutter positioned at an end of said handle opposite to said toothbrush head; a dental floss dispenser positioned between said toothbrush head and said floss cutter; and a disposable spool of dental floss removably mounted to said dental floss dispenser, wherein floss from said spool of dental floss can be dispensed into said floss channel toward said floss cutter.
 2. The integrated toothbrush and dental floss apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a bottom casing coupled to said handle over said floss cutter.
 3. The integrated toothbrush and dental floss apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a snap structure affixed to said handle for securely coupling said bottom casing to said handle.
 4. The integrated toothbrush and dental floss apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a visual indicator positioned proximately to said floss dispenser, said visual indicator visually indicating when to replace said disposable spool of dental floss.
 5. The integrated toothbrush and dental floss apparatus of claim 1, wherein said floss cutter is detachably affixed to said handle.
 6. The integrated toothbrush and dental floss apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a tension applicator mounted to said handle and frictionally engaged to said spool, said tension applicator resisting rotation of said spool of dental floss.
 7. The integrated toothbrush and dental floss apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a rotation controller mounted to said dispenser and frictionally engaged to said spool, said rotational controller frictionally resisting rotation of said spool of dental floss.
 8. The integrated toothbrush and dental floss apparatus of claim 1, wherein said toothbrush head is detachably coupled to said handle.
 9. The integrated toothbrush and dental floss apparatus of claim 14, wherein said spool of dental floss has a shape corresponding to one of a circle, square and octagon.
 10. The integrated toothbrush and dental floss apparatus of claim 1, wherein said dental floss dispenser comprises a post extending perpendicularly from said handle and providing an axis of rotation for said spool of dental floss.
 11. The integrated toothbrush and dental floss apparatus of claim 1, wherein said dental floss dispenser includes a dispenser casing covering said spool of dental floss.
 12. The integrated toothbrush and dental floss apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a visual indicator affixed to said handle proximate to said dispenser, said visual indicator indicating when said spool of dental floss is nearing exhaustion.
 13. The integrated toothbrush and dental floss apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a restriction formed in said floss channel for preventing dental floss from recoiling up said floss channel.
 14. The integrated toothbrush and dental floss apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a cleat mounted to said handle to which floss can be secured.
 15. The integrated toothbrush and dental floss apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a leader attached to an end of said floss in said spool of dental floss.
 16. The integrated toothbrush and dental floss apparatus of claim 1, wherein said floss channel comprises a mouth having a diameter which exceeds the diameter of said floss channel. 